Housing policy questioned as homelessness rises again

Sir, it is depressing to see we now have more than 17,000 people, including children, in emergency accommodation. Since this Government came into power, the numbers have increased year on year.

With every new housing minister, we had a new plan that was going to address the situation. We are told this time the plan will make a difference. How can this be true?

In the 1970s we were one of the poorest countries in Europe and we built plenty of houses. Now we are one of the wealthiest countries. Most of the properties that are built are for rent at extortionist prices, where the average couple would have to be earning multiples of the average industrial wage.

No wonder our youngest and brightest feel hard done by and choose emigration to warmer climes and a chance to own a property. – Yours, etc,